The laying cycle of a chicken flock usually covers a span of twelve months. Egg production begins when the birds reach about 18-22 weeks of age, depending on breed and season. Flock production reaches a peak of about 90% 6-8 weeks later. Egg production then gradually declines to 65% after 12 months of lay.

Egg production itself can be affected by such factors as feed (both quality and quantity), water intake, intensity and duration of light, parasites, disease, environment, and housing. In this article we will discuss proper feed, water and housing/spacing issues.

Laying chickens require a completely balanced diet to sustain maximum egg production over time. Inadequate nutrition can cause hens to stop laying, and inadequate levels of energy, protein, or calcium can cause a drop in egg production. Zamzows provides both 16% and 20% laying pellets for your laying hens. The 20% formula has increased protein for the colder months when your hens most expel more energy to stay warm. Both of these formulas are considered to be a complete diet for your birds. Hen scratch can be used as an additive to provide your hens with more variety in their diet, however, relying on whole grains, scratch feeds and table scraps will cause your birds diet to become imbalanced and inadequate to support maximum egg production. As a general rule of thumb laying hens need a diet that offers at least 16% protein 3.0% Calcium and 0.5% Phosphorus.

Proper watering is the next factor to consider in egg production, and is most likely the most important element in maximum egg production. Many people overlook the importance of providing clean, fresh water to their flocks. Water is not often considered a nutrient, but it is the most important nutrient you can provide your hens. Clean your water troughs and replace with fresh water on a daily basis. Keep your water and feed troughs free of droppings, litter, soil, and other contaminants. Providing fresh feed and clean water on a daily basis is the biggest step you can take in maximizing egg production. It has been generally assumed that birds drink approximately twice as much water as the amount of feed they consumed on a weight basis.

Proper housing for your laying hens in another factor to consider in egg production. A good poultry house protects your animals from the elements, predators, injury and theft. Poultry require a dry draft free house. This can be accomplished by building a relatively draft free house with windows and doors that can be opened for ventilation.  Build the coop on high, well-drained area. This prevents prolonged dampness and water saturation of the coop floor. Allowing an adequate level of space per bird also keeps the humidity level in the coop to a minimum. In addition, laying hens need a minimum of 1.5 Sq. Ft.  Per bird in a coop and 8 Sq. ft.  Of space outside.  Chickens also need 6 to 10 inches of perch space per bird and at least one nest for every 4 to 5 females in a flock.

In Addition to proper feed, adequate water, and housing, some other factors to consider are as follows.  Predators that will consume your eggs keep this in mind when constructing a coop. Fleas, mites, and parasites your egg production will drastically decrease if your hens are suffering from these types of afflictions. Dust your hens with Sevin or a poultry dust if you have concerns with this issue. Aging hens Chickens can live for many years and lay eggs for many of these years. However after two or three years many hens significantly decline in productivity. Calcium  - the eggshell is composed primarily of calcium carbonate. A hens requirement for calcium is relatively low during growing periods, but when the first eggs are produced, the need four calcium is increased at least four times.

Zamzows provides oyster shell in a 25lb bag that will meet this additional calcium requirement in your laying hens.  Lighting if you want egg production year round you must have a source of electric light. Laying Hens need about 14 hours of light to maintain maximum egg production.  Zamzows offers both heat lamps and regular lights for your coops at around $10.99. Make sure to get a wire light guard for your lighting fixture to prevent fire.

Hopefully this article will offer some insight on achieving maximum egg production from your hens.  For further information on this subject reference Factors affecting egg production in backyard chicken flocks published by the University of Florida and Feeding Chickens properly published by Mississippi State University. And as always feel free to contact your nearest Zamzows with any questions that may arise.